I tend to prefer scopes maxing out at 10X and 42-44 max size reticles for several reasons:

1. I don't like my scope's objective bell to be wider than my rifle's forend, if at all possible. I slide my rifles in and out of a scabbard on my ATV, and it tends to hang up on the cloth liner inside if parts of the scope or other accessories are wider than the rifle.2. 10X is more than enough magnification for anywhere I ever hunt -- if we're talking about a big game hunting rifle, so I'd rather not spend extra for capabilities I don't benefit much from.3. All else being equal, I prefer my scopes to be as light and compact as possible, unless I pay a significant penalty in optical performance in exchange. In this case, you don't compromise any optical performance with a 1.7-10X42.4. I have several high end 2.5-10X42s and a Swaro Z6 1.7-10X42. I also have a few high end 50mm scopes. All of the 42's are already superb low light performers that allow me to shoot way beyond legal hunting hours as-is, so the slight low light performance benefits of the larger 50mm objective isn't significant enough for me to warrant the increased cost and scope width.5. I like my scopes to be mounted as low as possible, though on some setups 50mm doesn't pose a height problem for me. It's really when the objective gets to 56mm and beyond that it becomes a cheek weld issue for me. Still, all else being equal, I prefer my scopes to be closer to the barreled action, if for no other reason than the rifle fits in double rifle cases and my ATV scabbard better.6. 12X doesn't give me enough additional detail over 10X for me to consider it a real "advantage" in field conditions, on big game sized animals, and at typical shooting distances I'm likely to encounter. So, I'd rather not spend the extra $ for a heavier, bulkier scope if I don't have to.

I don't mind 50mm scopes, though that is my self imposed objective diameter limit for the reasons stated above. Either will work very well.

Ted

Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.

Man, that's a tough question, Charles. Just as I'm not a "1 rifle" kinda guy, I can't imagine being forced to only have one scope.

I'd have to pick my Swaro Z6i 1.7-10X42 with lit circle dot. It very slightly edges out my Leica ER 2.5-10X42 in my mind, only because of it's awesome illumination system, and I love the Swaro's lit circle dot reticle. I like the longer main tube and lighter weight (and lighter price tag) of the Leica better, though. Optically, it's a wash between those two.

That's for all around hunting.

If it's strictly for deer hunting in a thick woods type environment, I'd likely go with the Kahles CL 2-7X36 with #4 reticle. To my mind, it's the perfect scope for a light, carbine length deer rifle. The only reason it doesn't come in first place for me is because the 1.7/2.5 - 10X scopes offer more reach with essentially the same FOV on the low end, so they're more versatile.

Then again, I also love my S&B 1.5-6X42 w/ #9 Flashdot, and depending on my mood, it might come in first on any given day. What it lacks in upper end reach, it makes up for in pure optical bliss, and I love its reticle. It's illumination system is right there with the Swaro for kickassedness. I hate to relegate it to 2nd or 3rd place because it's so good, but, I would reluctantly have to still give the nod to the above scopes just based on versatility vs. size.

Don't want to take the thread off-topic, but I'd be interested in your take on that, brother.

Ted

Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.

Man, that's a tough question, Charles. Just as I'm not a "1 rifle" kinda guy, I can't imagine being forced to only have one scope.

That is the truth.

Like Ted, I also prefer the 1.7-10X42.

Anything over ten power would be over-kill for where I hunt. That is more than enough magnification for my eyes.

I also like the improved FOV with less mag, now that can be argued with the 2-12, but actively hunting hogs and other vaiours varmints, the 1.7-10 is quite exceptional. I also account for cosmetics as well. While I have several rifles that look great with 50mm objectives, but 42 & 44mm are proven low light exhibiters.

You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot create polls in this forumYou cannot vote in polls in this forum